Maigari lauds Keshi for apologising

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Aminu Maigari has praised Super Eagles Chief Coach, Stephen Keshi for publicly apologising to the NFF on the issue of his resignation that marred the celebration of Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) triumph in South Africa.

There was controversy sorrounding Keshi’s threat to quit his position as Eagles gaffer before Sports Minister Bolaji Abdullahi intervened and convinced him to rescind his decision. However, on Monday night during a SuperSport programme Monday Night Football, Keshi gave a public apology to the Nigerian football house on the matter. Not surprisingly, the NFF top official was pleased to hear it.

“I want to sincerely appreciate Stephen Keshi for his maturity for apologising to the Nigeria Football Federation over what happened in South Africa (when he announced his resignation on a radio station in Johannesburg after the Super Eagles won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa).

“This is a family affair. You know that in every sector, in every family, in every endeavour of life you can make some mistakes. But is good for one to find the time to say what I did was a mistake and I now understood that it was a mistake. Nobody is complete. We are all bound to make mistakes and to say I am sorry. I really appreciate Keshi for doing this (for apologising). Keshi is a member of this football family. Keshi is our Chief Coach (of the Super Eagles) and he is our man.

“So, what we are saying is that let us move ahead. Let’s forget about the past. We have a crucial assignment ahead of us (the 2014 World Cup qualifier against Kenya in Calabar on March 23rd, 2013).

The NFF President also used the medium to reveal that he had set up a committee to duly investigate the ownership tussle between Warri Wolves and Rangers International on Super Eagles midfielder Sunday Mba.

“Actually, I just set up a committee on this issue. I have also called the attention of Nigeria Premier League Board that is also part of the whole process to advise us and tell us the true position of the matter. So, the committee has just been set up today (yesterday) and will commence work tomorrow (today). As soon as I leave you know I am going to inaugurate the committee”, he told SportingLife.